I just got back from a charity event for the SIDS Foundation where a guy who is "very friendly" with the woman who runs the Edit Department for the morning and evening editions of the NY Post and he told me with total assurance that they are hearing that the Webber to Orlando deal hit a major snag when the Kings supposedly asked for Grant Hill in return. Orlando wants to use Hill as their point guard next year. They do want Webber but want to trade picks, Outlaw, etc for Webber. Grant Hill is not an option for them. This story is going to hit the papers tomorrow, I think. I am pretty sure this guy is telling the truth. I made sure to be friendly with him while extracting some donation money from him. So, I got a new friend who might provide me with some info. Is Orlando out of it? I don't know. But the way this guy hears it, he says Houston is the clear favorite because no matter what, money talks and the only thing that could possibly hinder him coming here is the strength of the Western Conference or if NY trades Camby AND Houston for him. I just hope this guy wasn't drunk. Or should I hope I wasn't? ***I am adding this part 20 minutes after post. I got a phone call on my answering machine from Steve who works for the Philly Enquirer and he talked mostly about ad rates. But all of a sudden he said: "Hey, I heard something about your hated Knicks and Orlando Magic and a connection to Houston in the coaching circle. First, Webber has said secretly that he wants both HOUSTON AND SPREWELL in New York if he is gonna play there." He is now pretty sure that when worse comes to worse, "the Kings will MAKE the Knicks give them Camby/Thomas and Houston for Webber or Webber might go back to Sacramento" (that is a new one). Now he goes to say that "Houston has substantial say as to whether he stays or go to Sacramento." He also said that he "doesn't know now about Webber going to the Rockets because there is some hesitation to play with 2 main players and the lack of shots he will have or how he will be part of the offense." Now, he was laughing a little when he said that part and I don't know if he was being funny or what but it does make a little sense. His production won't be the same with guards like we have. Next, he said that "at the present moment, Antonio Davis is in Orlando" and that his wife and kids are "almost convincing him to sign there." Antonio "wants to sign in a warm weather city and Orlando looks like the place." He goes on to say "Davis is going to Orlando. Bank on it." Also, he said that Shawn Kemp is "currently in Houston attending a drug camp with John Lucas." He said that he "doesn't know if that means anything in regards to him playing in Houston" but there are "strong rumors in the coaching relm" that "John Lucas has interviewed for the Portland job". That last part has nothing to do with free-agents, but Lucas was on the Rockets! Sorry for the rambling. But today was a good day for me in regards to some info, eh? ------------------ Sleepless in the Bronx [This message has been edited by Almu (edited May 31, 2001).]
Thanks for the scoop Almu, Allan Houston has made it clear that he absolutely wants no part of Sacramento which is also good to hear for Rockets fans. Even if the Knicks were willing to part with those two, and Houston agreed to the trade, why would Webber want anything to do with that team? Without Houston and Camby, the knicks depth and talent level go way down, and they would be worrying about making the playoffs let alone thinking about a championship. I see Indiana as the darkhorse team in all of this. They have the most to offer in a sign and trade, and Webber might want to make sure that the Kings get something back in return as a sign of respect. Then again, didn't somebody post that Petrie has made it clear he won't help Webber in a sign and trade? Also, if he complained about Sacramento's nightlife, I doubt that Indiana would be much of an improvement in that aspect. ------------------ [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited May 31, 2001).]
Nice to hear something new. Thanks ------------------ "Instinctly u recognize things,now take advantage of what u just recognized!".. Hakeem..
Almu, If Antonio Davis does indeed sing with the Magic, will that affect Orlando's chances of landing Webber? ------------------ Dream Rejects Every Attempt Made
Posted by CompaqC "If Antonio Davis does indeed sing with the Magic, will that affect Orlando's chances of landing Webber?" I think it will. From what I understand, Davis has a horrible singing voice. And if Webber has one pet peeve - it's when people sing off pitch ------------------ "I didn't like jr. high when I was there. Why would I want to watch it on tv?" P. Mesku's opinion about "Survivor"
Didn't someone post something about Orlando already having a deal with someone and if that deal went through, the contract would prohibit the Magic from getting Webber? Sounds like that player is Antonio Davis, and if Orlando got him, it would make sense that they don't need Webber, nor would Davis want him there. Thanks for the info Almu, it's all coming together now. It's good to see these insider info posts back one another up. ------------------ "You couldn't have stuck a pin up his @#! with a jackhammer. Yeah, I'd say he was pretty tight." -- Barkley on Minnesota's Chris Carr(thx RocksMillenium)after he missed a game winning free-throw.
!!!!Kemp comes here = I take a hostage!!!!! ------------------ C-son -------------- "When life gives you lemons, Shut up and eat the lemons!" - Harry Solomon
Almu, that caption is quite scary... considering the 18th pick stuff. ------------------ You're a fine woman, why don't you mock that draft up
My thoughts exactly. Thanks for the info Almu -- great stuff. It's funny this guy says Webber isn't sure yet about the Rockets because of their two main guys (Francis and Mobley), yet insists Houston and Sprewell both still be on the Knicks if he goes there. ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
Chris Webber is going to make these three teams get down on there knees and beg until there voice is gone before he makes a decision . Clutch , your point proves that even Webber doesn't now what the hell he's doing . ------------------
You can bank that Orlando is not going to trade Hill for Webber. If Orlando trades anyone for Webber, it will be with Outlaw at the head of that package. Miller and Armstrong are the only other two tradeable commodities that Sacramento would want (besides McGrady), and neither of them are going anywhere - Armstrong is the heart and soul of the Magic and Doc Rivers isn't letting Miller go anywhere, nor is McGrady. The two are best friends and Rivers is personally tutoring Miller at the Goodwill Games this offseason for his own use. Davis to Orlando is a formality waiting to happen. His family lives here and the situation makes too much sense for him. Plus, Orlando will take care of him, he doesn't have to worry about that. That said, Webber to Houston looks like a nice proposition, unless a war between the Knicks and Kings heats up; then, Houston would be playing the role of the Bulls from last season with McGrady and Eddie Jones. Either possibility is equally likely, but Webber doesn't look to be going back to Sacramento, not after all of his comments. Of course, a surprise team could come out and jockey for is services. Just as long as he doesn't take the $4.5 mill exception from the Lakers. ------------------
Forget Allan Houston to Sacramento. Reading nbatalk today, Davis is going to Orlando. So forget the Magic. Maybe if Detroit took on Rice in a 3-way deal to get Webber to New York; Dumars said he's been fielding calls about being the conduit for 3-way deals (non-specific, Webber not mentioned); but who needs an overpaid aging jump-shooter like Rice, even the Pistons, where free agents fear to tread? Seems to me Webber gave the Kings the option of signing-and-trading him. I can't imagine he actually thinks Steve and Cat aren't winners, though, or wouldn't want to play alongside them. Less experienced, maybe, than playoff veteran teams like the Knicks. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROXTXIA (edited May 31, 2001).] [This message has been edited by ROXTXIA (edited May 31, 2001).]
And if they're planning on signing Davis, they're also out of the Dream race too. Which is nice. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
Even if they lose CWebb for nothing, Sac will be right at the cap, thanks to nice deals to guys like Nick Anderson. ------------------ "That's been a lifelong dream of mine." -Vince Carter, after laying it in on a breakaway, much to the Vancouver crowd's displeasure.
You could say that about any superstar. This is an opportunity that is too good to pass up; and the biggest gaping hole we have right now is the one that Webber will fill up. ------------------ "Minute after minute, hour after hour, the proud and strong knight struggled in vain against the wasp inside his armour."
Clutch, Playing with Spree and Allen is not nearly the same as playing with Francis and Cuttino. Spree shoots alot but Houston sometimes just disappears. He is happy shooting just 10 times a game if that. I think that coming to Houston, Francis is gonna take alot of shots because he is the leader just like Spree. But Cuttino also will not hand over some of his shots for Webber, IMHO. Cuttino likes to shoot. Also, most of the stuff I stated last night except for Shawn Kemp and Lucas is being discussed on the radio. Hubie Brown just came on and said that he is hearing Davis to Orlando is almost certain. Most of the discussion centers around Webber going to either NY or Orlando. Houston is mention only when they discuss free agent money and Sacramento is mentioned only when they ask "Who can offer the most." Now, I think personally Webber has so many options that all these rumors are flying around like crazy. But in the end, I think its either us or New York with New York probably winning in the end. Watch and see that he ends up in Toronto or Vancouver! ------------------ Sleepless in the Bronx
Arrgggg... you humor is worse by far. And I've been working long 8 hour days, so gimme a break!!!! Clutch, Sorry about that! English is a foreign language to me; cut me some slack. ------------------ "Light travels faster than sound, so some people appear to be bright until you hear them speak." -- Brian Williams (now Bison Dele) commenting on Isiah Thomas.
I think webber will be in sac next season The kings have built a team around webber after having one of their best seasons in Franchise History I don't see them trading webber unless he thretens to bolt and they don't have a choice and Webber did say if he was to leave Sacremento it would be a trade he would not leave sacremento hanging That hurts alot of promintent teams sacremento will not be satified with scubs and low first round draft pics it probaly would take another a-list player to do it ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROCKETS1972 (edited May 31, 2001).]
Almu, are you in or from New York by chance? Just wondering. But you have a point. New York still looms, even if the team needs help in getting their prize. Detroit could be the spoiler in this by facilitating a 3-way deal (not to mention screwing us out of the #18 pick); but what will the Knicks offer? If Detroit really wants Glen Rice and Sacramento figures Kurt Thomas and who knows who else would be a nice consolation prize, then we're in trouble. Still, I'll hold out some hope that Webber comes here. At least we know one team he won't play for next year. ------------------
